Russia shifts tactics near Pokrovsk: Ukrainian officer reveals their new strategy
Illustrative photo: Russian forces changed their tactics near Pokrovsk (Getty Images)
In the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces have recently been increasingly using small infantry groups and motorized vehicles, while using armored vehicles much less frequently, stated Captain Artem Sholudko, an officer with the Spartan brigade.
According to him, the Russians are constantly changing their combat tactics in an attempt to adapt to battlefield conditions and avoid losses from Ukrainian defenses. Currently, the enemy more often uses small infantry units in combination with motorized and regular vehicles.
"The Russians have been changing their tactics for several days now. They’re using more of a mixed approach - either on foot, motorbikes, or with regular vehicles. Cases where they use armored vehicles have become much rarer, even statistically," he said.
The Russian forces have placed special focus on using motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles and quad bikes, to move assault groups quickly.
However, this tactic has its downsides: due to the exposed and vulnerable nature of these vehicles, Russian manpower losses remain high.
According to Sholudko, reconnaissance under the responsibility of the Spartan brigade is operating effectively. Enemy infantry groups are being detected during their concentration or movement phases.
This allows Ukrainian defenders not to wait for them to approach their positions, but to determine the method of destruction in advance.
"We track enemy infantry almost from the same spot where they had previously gathered. In other words, we use long-range reconnaissance to monitor them. We try to avoid situations where our own infantry is the first to report enemy presence in front of our positions. Because it's a surprise and we no longer work that way. The enemy is identified in advance, and then a decision is made on how exactly to eliminate them and what their fate will be," the officer explained.
Situation on the Pokrovsk direction
Pokrovsk and the surrounding areas remain one of the hottest spots on the frontline. Intense fighting has continued there in recent days, as regularly reported by the General Staff.
Back in May, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the situation had been stabilized. According to him, Ukrainian forces not only held their positions but in some areas even seized the tactical initiative.
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that in the coming months, the Russian army will likely attempt to encircle Pokrovsk and outflank the fortified Ukrainian defensive line in the Donetsk region from the west.
Additionally, it is known that Russian forces are trying to break through Ukrainian defenses in the Pokrovsk direction, where fierce battles are ongoing.
